Shortlist: 8 Restaurants In Bellevue (IA) That Locals Love!

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Last updated on December 1, 2022 by Wandering our World

One of the most picturesque tourist towns in Iowa, Bellevue derives its name from the French terms ‘Belle’ and ‘Vue,’ which mean ‘beautiful view,’ as well as from an early pioneer, John D. Bell.

The city lives up to its name by having a spectacular view of the Mississippi River and many of its top restaurants make use of that view by opening their branches in stellar locations, meaning you often have a great view alongside a splendid meal!

Whether you’re new to town, thinking of moving, or just going over to visit some family, our list below will give you details about where, when, and what you can eat while you’re in Bellevue.

So, no matter what you’re craving, be it some Authentic Mexican, classic American favorites, seafood, BBQ, or some homemade ice cream, the restaurants in Bellevue, IA have it all!

So let’s get started!

Chef adding drizzle to fine dining plate
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Kuzmin

The Best Restaurants In Bellevue, IA: Food Worth Waiting For!

1. Richman’s Café

One of the oldest eateries in town, serving traditional American favorites with a great view of the Mississippi River and a separate kid’s menu.

This small, locally owned establishment has big flavors, a huge heart, warm and welcoming staff, and great views of the Mississippi River. What else could anyone want from a restaurant? Head on over to Richman’s Cafe if you want to feel like family, watch loyal patrons grab their usuals, and feel like one of the locals.

This age-old eatery has become somewhat of a local icon, having existed for as long as it has. The interior feels like it hasn’t changed in years but the history that it carries with it and celebrates makes a visit well worth it.

Intricately linked to the town’s past and future, Richman’s décor is typically done up as a diner with bar side and table seating options, the place is bright, clean, and cozy – just what you’d expect from the neighborhood diner. The staff is also professional, accommodating, and welcoming to everyone, local or tourist alike, adding to the charm of the place.

Everyone raves about their breakfast menu, so try to make it in time to catch that. Their Pancakes, The Mess, sandwiches, and Broasted Chicken are popular picks. They even serve fresh homemade pies that are said to be notoriously good, so order all these offerings and you’ll be in seventh heaven!

Plus, they have a great kids’ menu with many child-friendly items that even the fussiest of children will love, so make sure you take a look at that before finalizing your order.

Richman’s Café is open seven days a week! From 5 am to 7 pm, so there’s plenty of time to visit the town’s landmark and enjoy the best homestyle food in town.

Address: 602 S Riverview St, Bellevue, IA.

Delicious breakfast on a light table
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/tbralnina

2. Lock 12 Music

Popular local bar with live music, great atmosphere and décor, and scrumptious food.

If you want to have a festive night out, enjoy the town’s local talent, and sample some of the best food that Bellevue has to offer then an evening spent at Lock 12 Music will surely be an evening filled with plenty of memories.

This bar is a great place to meet new people, hang out with the locals, and listen to some awesome live music.  

As one of the most popular bars and restaurants in Bellevue the atmosphere is just electric, and the décor really sets the mood for music. With a small stage showcasing mics, amps, guitars, and other instruments hanging off the walls or scattered around the restaurant, neon lights, and posters of local bands, Lock 12 Music comes with a visually stunning ambiance, making it a great environment to be in.

They offer a unique blend of American, Chinese, and Mexican food options to choose from, making it a no-brainer as to why people come flocking to this place. Catering to a variety of different tastes, the restaurant makes sure that its food is flavorful and delicious no matter who orders what.

The best things to try on the menu are the Ribeye Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Stir Fry, Grilled Chicken Tacos, and their BLT.

Lock 12 Music is open Wednesday to Saturday 4 pm to 2 am. On Sundays and Mondays its open from 4 pm to 12 am and on Tuesdays it’s closed, so make sure you plan on going during the evening or at night.

Address: 134 South Riverview Drive, Bellevue, IA.

3. River Ridge Brewing

A local brewery with a vast selection of drinks and beverages, good food, and stunning views.

If you want to try something different when you’re on vacation at Bellevue or if you simply want to appreciate something that the town does well, then planning a trip to River Ridge Brewing will be something that you’ll really enjoy.

The place has some unique local blends of drinks and cocktails and some truly mesmerizing views that will form a core memory for whoever witnesses them.

We highly recommend taking along a camera or smartphone that captures great pictures to this place, because one of the best things about it is its location. Located right on the riverbank adjacent to the Mississippi River this brewery has some of the best seats to take in the view.

Order from a vast array of house brews or try a unique concoction that the bartender can make especially for you, either way, you’ll end up loving their beverage selection.

They also have food carts serving fresh pizzas and melt-in-your-mouth pretzels that will compliment your drink perfectly, making for an unforgettable time.

The brewery hours are Thursdays 4 pm to 8 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 10 pm, and Sundays from noon to 6 pm. While the food cart is open Thursdays from 4 pm to 7 pm, Fridays from 5 pm to 8 pm, Saturdays from noon to 8 pm, and Sundays from noon to 5 pm.

Plus, lots of local food trucks also frequent the site, so keep your eye out for those.

Address: 303 S Riverview, Bellevue, IA.

Selection of beer
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/blizzard_77

4. 2nd Street Station

A friendly restaurant with a sports bar vibe serving up tasty popular classics.

This locally-owned restaurant delivers on multiple fronts, from being a great local hangout spot to serving a variety of goodies, 2nd Street Station is the perfect addition to Bellevue’s dining scene and adds a great evening experience to a town that already has a lot of great options.

The place is a mix between a diner and bar, with bar-style and table-style seating, black and white checkered floors, and thematic wall art lining the walls. The ceiling is also adorned with flags from various national sports teams adding a sports bar vibe and aesthetic to the décor.

Multiple televisions will also give you timely updates about whichever game is playing that day. So, if you’re looking to chill in a nice and relaxing environment, this is a great place to wind up.

As for the food, locals highly recommend having tacos, burgers, and pizzas so if you’re having difficulty choosing from the comprehensive menu then choosing from these 3 categories will help narrow things down.

Apart from this, they have fresh daily specials that your server can tell you about, and on Fridays, they have all-you-can-eat pizza days, so if you want to make the most of that deal, then go on a Friday.

2nd Street Station is closed Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday and opens Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 8 pm. On Friday it’s open from 3:30 pm to 9 pm and on Saturday it opens from 11 am to 9 pm. Leave it for the weekend to truly see this restaurant come to life!

Address: 116 S 2nd St, Bellevue, IA.

wood fired pizza on table
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/JulyProkopiv

5. Off Shore Bar & Grill

An upscale restaurant opened by Off Shore Resorts on the banks of the Mississippi River with a great ambiance and delicious chef-made delicacies.

Off Shore Bar & Grill is a part of the Off Shore Resort, a place full of activities for the entire family. From RV camping and parking grounds to an Aquatic Center and other park amenities, spending a day out at the Resort can be a great idea on a vacation. Plus they have one of the best restaurants in Bellevue, so make that an excuse and head on over!

The restaurant – which was remodeled – is a perfect blend of modern and trendy. Done up in hues of blue, matching the resort, the interior is the perfect environment to relax and unwind it.

It’s perfectly located near the Mississippi River too, with bar seating and table seating and a huge open-plan lounge and bay windows to soak in some great views. You can also sit outside when the weather permits to add that extra element of perfection to your day.

As far as their food is concerned, they have some of the best chefs in the business, so everything that they serve smells, looks, and tastes absolutely amazing. The locals are especially fond of their burgers and pizzas which are made from scratch, fresh with locally sourced ingredients. So if you’re health conscious and enjoy eating clean, then this place will really make you feel at home.

They have a great selection of drinks and wines as well, so make sure you choose some to complement a delicious meal.

Off Shore Bar & Grill is open on Thursdays from 4 pm to 9 pm, on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 12 am, and on Sundays from 9 am to 8 pm, so make sure you go on a day and time they are open to serve you.

Address: 4115 N Riverview St, Bellevue, IA.

Chef cooking
Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+

6. Grandpa’s Parlor

An assuming ice cream parlor and restaurant serving great homemade goodies and breakfast with a warm and welcoming attitude

Grandpa’s Parlor in Bellevue is one of those little spots in town where you might enter as a stranger but leave as a family. This is because their warm, hospitality will make you feel welcome no matter who you are or where you’re from. Add an amazing selection of homemade ice cream and fresh daily specials made from scratch and you’ll understand why the locals love this place.

The decor is what you’d expect from a typical mom-and-pop diner. With bar-style seating, and wooden floors, there’s something very homey about the place, it really does make you feel like you’re at Grandpas for the day.

The staff is kind, efficient, and professional, always there to help and make you feel at ease. The place truly has all the ingredients for a family-friendly night out.

Their breakfast menu is mind-blowing too, with everything being prepared as it’s ordered – try their pancakes and ‘Mt. Marilyn’ to get a taste of what they have to offer.

Apart from breakfast, they have lunch specials that they announce on their Facebook page, so if you see something you like head on over before it finishes. End a perfect meal with scoops of velvety smooth ice cream that’s been churned to perfection.

Grandpa’s Parlor is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2 pm to 9 pm, Thursdays to Saturdays from 7:30 am to 9 pm, Sundays from 7:30 to 8 pm, and Mondays again from 7:30 to 9 pm. There are a lot of different times, so make sure you check the schedule before leaving.

Address: 306 S Riverview St, Bellevue, IA.

Pancakes with banana, walnut and caramel.
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Lilechka75

7. Flatted Fifth Blues & BBQ @ Potters Mill

Located in an old mill, this restaurant serves some amazing southern-style American cuisine and live music.

One of the best restaurants in Bellevue has to be Flatted Fifth Blues & BBQ. Their southern-style food is so full of flavor that you just can’t get enough.

Plus, the fact that the restaurant is located in an old mill that once actually worked is simply amazing! You can roam throughout the building and appreciate the history and architecture that it has to share with you.

The historic building that the restaurant is built in is just a wanderer’s dream, so take a fully charged smartphone to take pictures of the unique architecture that it has to offer. The décor also adds to the whimsy and charm of the place, because it plays into the theme of the mill and all that it represents.

They also have local bands come and play live music every now and then, so if you want to catch some great bands, this is the perfect place.

Flatted Fifth is known for its Chicken Pot Pie, Cajun Seafood Pasta, Jambalaya, and BBQ options. With a separate lunch, dinner, and brunch menu, there’s a lot to try at this place so make sure you ask your server for recommendations as well.

The eatery also provides vegan and gluten-free options so if there’s someone in your family with food sensitivities then this is one of the few restaurants in Bellevue that will cater to their constraints.

Flatted Fifth Blues & BBQ is open on Thursday from 5 pm to 8 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, it’s open from 11 am to 9 pm and on Sundays, it’s open from 10 am to 8 pm. Leaving plenty of time to visit it on the weekends.

Address: 300 Potter Drive, Bellevue, IA

Full rack of BBQ grilled pork spare ribs on a marble board
Photo for illustrative purposes only (iStock.com/Vladimir Mironov)

8. La Casa De Pancho

Traditional, family-owned Mexican restaurant serving authentic flavors with a wonderful atmosphere and efficient staff.

La Casa De Pancho is a family-owned Mexican restaurant that the locals of Bellevue really love. The place is usually packed full of doting and loyal patrons that celebrate the Pancho family’s culture and food. With a great ambiance, awesome food and friendly staff this place is easily one of the best restaurants in Bellevue.

The inside is done up in a yellow and black color combination with one feature wall of exposed brick adding a rustic element to the atmosphere. Huge bay windows bathe the entire area in warm and natural sunlight, brightening up the space. Traditional ponchos and Sombreros hang off the walls in celebration of the Mexican culture.

Overall, the aesthetic of the place is lovely and festive, putting you in the mood for some mouthwatering food.

Their Enchiladas, Burritos, and Fajitas are some of the most hotly ordered items, as are their seafood entrees. Everything the restaurant makes is made fresh, seasoned to perfection, and tantalizes your tastebuds, so no matter what you order, it’ll surely be full of flavor.

The servers are also a big help while deciding what to order from the expansive menu, so make sure to ask them for recommendations according to your preferences and they’ll gladly guide you and create a perfect meal for you.

La Casa De Pancho is open every day of the week from 11 am to 10 pm, apart from Sundays when it’s open from 11 am to 9 pm, making it a safe option to head over to, regardless of the day or time.

Address: 118 N Riverview St, Bellevue, IA.

Many types of tacos on the table.
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Gulcin Ragiboglu

The Best Restaurants In Bellevue, IA: Summing Up

That’s all we have for today, guys! Our picks of some of the best restaurants in Bellevue! We hope they satisfied your tastebuds and added some great times and superb memories to reminisce about when you go back home.

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  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.